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					  Cruising Along on the High Seas   With summer come family vacations and these days, many cruise lines are offering great deals to exotic locales. Once aboard, you’ll find programming appropriate for all age levels. A cruise can offer an opportunity for teens and grandparents alike to indulge themselves and then re-connect over dinner.
 However, don’t let the comforts of home lull you into forgetting your travel sense. Before you go, ensure you’re up to date on the appropriate vaccinations and pack extra prescription medications, in case of travel delays. Remember to check customs regulations for your destination country and Canada.
 Broadcasting your travel plans, whether online or in person, is never a good idea. Ask a friend or neighbour to clear flyers, mow the lawn and generally keep an eye on your home while you’re gone.Aboard your cruise, secure your cabin as you would a hotel room. To avoid the flu or food-borne illnesses, wash your hands frequently with soap and ensure your food is fresh, clean and properly cooked and stored.
					  
                      
                      
                      Bon voyage! 
   
                        
						 Staying Home for the Holidays
 
                      More and more often, Vancouverites are opting to “staycation.” And why not—the rest of the world comes here every summer. 
                    	Bike the seawall or the Richmond dykes. Eat fish and chips in Steveston or on Granville Island. Visit Fort Langley, Bowen Island or Whistler. Hike the Grouse Grind, Stawamus Chief or Lynn Canyon. Relax on Kits Beach or Spanish Banks—or at English Bay, Boundary Bay or Garry Point. Best of all, sleep in your own bed each night. 
                    	For more great ideas, check out Find Family Fun in Vancouver.   
 
					  Stay Secure at Home 
						
						Question: Can I only use my security system when no one is home?
                        
 Answer: Get the most out of your security system by using it as much as possible. The system can be designed in many ways to suit your lifestyle. You can choose from various levels of protection. For example, when you are away from home you can have all the motion sensors and contacts activated. If you are at home, you may choose which zones to activate, such as all perimeter and basement zones. You could then leave all other interior motion sensors and the back patio door inactive. Some peripherals--such as glass-break detectors, and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors--are always active, whether the system is armed or disarmed.
 
 Our security consultants can help you design a system that suits your needs and lifestyle. For more information, call us at 604.232.2407.
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What's On InGreater Vancouver?
 
Greek Summer Festival See web site for venues
 June 30 to July 11
 
 Vancouver Folk Music Festival
 Jericho Beach Park
 July 16 to 18
 
 Powell Street Festival
 See web site for venues
 
 Vancouver Pride Parade
 Downtown Vancouver
 August 1
 
 Abbotsford International Air Show
 Abbotsford International Airport
 August 13 to 15
 
 The Fair at PNE
 Hastings Park
 21 to September 6
 
 
 
 Private Lives
 
SAVVY SOCIAL NETWORKING   
    Review your privacy controls. Strictly limit who can see or search for your personal info.Don’t post when you’re going on vacation.Identity thieves would love to know your birth date.Never use a child’s name in photo captions.Follow your children on Twitter. Be their friend on Facebook.Your spouse’s name makes a weak password. A mix of letters, numbers and symbols makes a strong one. 
 Quick Safety Tip
 
KEEP COOLERS COOLThis summer, keep your cooler closed and out of direct sunlight. Opening it too often lets cold air out and warm air in. If you use two separate coolers for food and drinks, the one with the food will not be opened as often, so it will stay cold longer. 
SourceSummer Food Safety Tips by Health Canada
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